Impact assessments

Today is; Overview of impact assessment process How this relates to us as healthcare providers & employers & your service

History of impact assessments Lawrence Enquiry ‘processes & attitudes which disadvantage particular groups’ Discrimination becomes inbuilt into our systems and policies Death by indifference report 2008

What are they ? Many policies, procedures, service delivery & redesign – failed to meet requirements of certain groups or excluded them They are a systematic way to assess our policies, services and functions and evaluate how they may impact on particular groups in a negative or positive way.

Why do we need impact assessments ? Death rates for men from colorectal cancer nearly 10% higher than women Discuss the above statistic – what could be the possible causes of this ??

Target Groups ; Race Disability (reasonable adjustments) Gender & transgender Religion Age Sexual orientation Local demographics; carers, deprivation, local health targets Discussion Point – what barriers could any of the above groups face when accessing our services?

Reasonable Adjustments The law states that we must ensure we consider adjustments for disabled people. What examples can you think of for reasonable adjustments ?

As a service provider/employer we must ; Consult with groups. Involvement for people with disabilities – more favourable treatment Where are we going to start ????????

Impact assessments Step 1 – mapping exercise Step 2 – screen policies for relevance (initial impact assessment) All policies/leaflets have to be screened for relevance (doc control) 10c (policies) & 19a (leaflets)

Screening for relevance Look at any data – statistics, complaints, concerns, DNA rates Eligibility criteria which disadvantage groups Access to services being reduced/denied Look at the wording/layout Promote positive relations Involvement & consultation…..at the start !!

Discussion Point Read the data sheet How could this effect your service & policies ? Could you need to look at making changes ? What other evidence could you consider ?

Screening for relevance Read the policy – can you identify any potential positive or negative impacts ?

Trust’s Initial Impact Assessment Form 10c Prompt for discussion point If it is a staff training document – have you considered how the policy links to your patient profile? Stroke – high number of patients with complex communication needs.

Screening for relevance If any relevance; full impact assessment If policy has been amended to reduce adverse impact – include this in your document control If no relevance complete initial impact assessment & indicate no impacts

Step 3 – FULL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Determine if the policy has an adverse impact Further data gathering & consulting Investigate why ? Eliminate or justify

Step 4 Ensure mechanisms for regular IA Allocate responsibilities for re-assessment Step 5 Publication – compile impact assessment report & final decisions – sign off Publicity

Service Delivery No aspect of individual’s association with any group should prevent them from accessing healthcare services; Service Impact assessments Clinic/ward impact assessments Non clinical impact assessments List of all policies & protocols – signed off